Spotlight on Women Creatives: Helen James, executive CD – retail, Clemenger BBDO Melbourne

As part of a daily series Campaign Brief shines the spotlight on the top female executive creative directors and creative directors in Australia…

Helen James is executive creative director – retail at Clemenger BBDO Melbourne. 

With over 20 years of advertising experience in both the UK and Australia, Helen has worked across a multitude of accounts.

Having developed a passion for retail, Helen chose to specialise in this field and in 2002 joined BMF advertising. She subsequently built up a retail department strengthening the offer of brands such as ALDI, P&O, Ella Baché, Budget Eyewear, MLA and OPSM. Her work has been recognised through a number of Australian awards including ADMA and the Australian Catalogue Awards.

In early 2011, Helen became a founder of Rhubarb&Custard, a specialist retail and digital advertising agency focused on future-proofing retail brands. Their clients include Big W, Rebel, Amart Sports, Tourism NSW, Inland Tourism, The Cheesecake Shop, Spartan, Barefoot Inc. and Laubman & Pank optometrists.

In October 2016 she turned her skills toward leading the creative retail teams at Clemenger BBDO Melbourne, including Myer and QIC GRE shopping centres.

Her passion is inspiring retail ideas using emerging technologies, creating retail environments and in-store brand experiences, but most of all she just loves to start a conversation.

For the full up-to-date list of all ad agency creatives and producers and production companies in Australia and New Zealand go to Portfolio & Reel Reel